'A Detroit That Works For Everyone': Sheffield Elected As Detroit's First Woman Mayor

DETROIT — City Council President Mary Sheffield made history Tuesday night when she became the first woman elected as Detroit mayor, the Associated Press projected.

She defeated Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr., who is the pastor of Triumph Church, according to unofficial vote totals.

With 100 percent of precincts reporting, Sheffield gathered 88,229 votes to Kinloch's 25,725, securing roughly 77 percent of the votes, according to unofficial vote totals from Wayne County.

"Detroit, this is the great spirit of our city. A spirit that is alive and well tonight, which is why I know that we will rise higher," Sheffield said. "So tonight, our city adds another chapter to its great history. Throughout Detroit's 324-year history, 75 mayors have led this city. Not one has been a woman."

She will replace Mike Duggan, who has held the office since 2014. Duggan, who endorsed Sheffield, decided not to seek re-election after three terms and is running for governor as an Independent.

"Congratulations to Mayor-Elect Mary Sheffield. She ran an outstanding campaign and will do a great job running the City of Detroit," Duggan said. "Our city’s progress is in very good hands and I know she and her team will make sure it not only continues, but expands."

Sheffield's campaign largely focused on education, gun violence prevention and infrastructure investments. She also wants to make sure Detroit's neighborhoods are safe and not neglected. She has pledged to tackle poverty in the city.

This isn't the first time Sheffield made history, as she was also Detroit's youngest city council president ever.

Sheffield will now begin working on her transition team and come up with a list of priorities for her first 100 days. She will take office in January 2026.

"To every Detroiter that is watching tonight, whether you voted for me or not, I am here to listen to you, to fight for you, and to serve you," Sheffield said during her victory speech. "At the end of the day, we all want the same thing - a Detroit that works for everyone."

Kinloch thanked his supporters and said he continues to look forward to the future.

"I got in this race and when I got in this race, I didn't get in for the privilege and the power. I didn't get in because I needed a job. I didn't get in to satisfy greed. I got in to meet the needs of the people. I got in because I wanted to make sure that at this crossroads, we built a city that was inclusive of us all. I stand here tonight with no regrets," Kinloch said.

His campaign largely focused on reducing crime and tackling homelessness in the city.

Kinloch thanked his supporters and said he continues to look forward to the future. (Ryan Sun/AP)